What is Organ Donation?

What is Organ Donation?

Organ donation is the donation of biological tissue or an organ of the human body to someone who has a damaged organ that needs to be replaced. An organ transplant may save a person’s life or significantly improve their health and quality of life.

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​Living donors

It is possible to donate organs while you are alive and save a life without risking your own. Living donors can donate a kidney, a portion of their liver, lung or intestine and in some instances, tissue. The best match for living donations is from a family member.

Deceased donors

Once a person has been declared brain dead, the patient’s family can exercise their choice to be an organ donor. Deceased donors can donate six types of organs; kidneys, pancreas, liver, lungs, heart and intestines. Deceased donors can also donate bones, skin, heart valves, veins and corneas.

Whilst you are alive you can confirm your wish to be a deceased donor by signing up to the donor registry.